Sans Destination

by Nikhil Sharda

Its a short play about human behavior with elements of humour and philosophy entwined. Its a story about a young man who has been awarded a very prestigious prize of being the youngest professor of philosophy and for his exemplary work in the field. People from all walks of life come to congratulate him and how? He is then called to give a speech in another state and everyone in the neighborhood wants to accompany him - the train journey to the destination to receive the award and give a speech and the twist when he finds something much more important than what he worked his life for.


The book is short and crisp. The philosophical analogies have been presented in absolute terms with present day context. This is to read, smile and ponder if life is without destination or is can there be a destination without life itself?

ebook

First published June 1, 2012

About the author

Nikhil Sharda is a writer, filmmaker and an IT professional based at the moment in Delhi (India). From St George's College (Mussoorie), from where he completed his schooling, Nikhil went on to graduate from Wigan and Leigh College (UK) with Film Studies as his major. His journey to the written word started with his first blog in Windows Spaces with a pen name effortlesslife. The site was banned by the government due to its anti-establishment contents. Since then the writer is trying to get back at them. He's written columns for mainstream media, both online and in print. He' span caked star images. He's helped market jeans. He's photographed icons of beauty. He's drafted Stock Exchange releases. He's done it all - with his customary élan and detached nonchalance.

Reviews

[Hitakshi Bawa · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the very first time I had read any short Play. Really liked it and the way it is written is truely commendable. Good work Nikhil Sharda.
Nikhil has that spark in his pen to built the the interest of readers.
The story was full of humour, love, emotions, affection, male Trickster etc..
I enjoyed and would love to read the novel if Nikhil is trying his luck in that part too.

[Michelle D’costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humour at its best...very bold attcks at reality...not subtle ones...but written in such an effective way..makes one wonder...what more is this writer capable of...a play not boring at all...d characters r so engaging...keeps u on d edge of ur seat..d author has included al his observations of human behavior very artistically in d form of dialogues..i was stunned wid d books ability to make me think...very philosophical..but NOT boring...i urge every1 to read dis who enjoys sarcasm n quality writing..u cud lern a ting or two from nikhil..i kno i did...dat is to speak ur mind...be it fiction or not

[Ambuj Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would begin an understatement ,*must-read*. The way author describes the journey of each and every scene of this book has a hidden philosophical question embedded in it. When I came across reading this book which I was handed over by someone,to be honest, I felt it as a pain to even carry this book home. That night when I started reading it , I was carried away to such an extent that I ended up calling someone to explain a particular scene in complete. And yes, this is no exaggeration. Hope I could.The journey of the author takes away to a smooth ride and then you will feel as if the fine scotch just ended leaving the trails of memories associated with the journey which writer takes you along.
Statutory Warning - Enjoyed best with a glass of fine scotch. ;)
DO READ

[Mitu Bhatia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A comment on the confused modernity that represents our society as it stands today. Well-written with a vein of scepticism effortlessly interwoven with humour. Sans destination is a play that reads like a story in parts and ends on a note that cultivates hope in the reader.

[Priyanshu Saxena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Sans Destination

By Nikhil Sharada

All the time I was reading the Play, it seems to me that I was watching it sitting in the front row of an auditorium. All the characters of the play are portrayed beautifully which makes it more appealing to the reader.

The conversations were somewhat real, as we have every now and then during travelling in Indian Railways. How we interact with unknown people and get in conversation with them, arguments, facts, debates everything was present there like a real situation which make you feel like watching it rather just reading it.

The conversation between Mr. Suresh Gupta, friend of Nishant, and Prof. Srivastava, the VC, focuses on the lack of comprehensive skills of Mr. Gupta and the insolence of VC in words “It is true that everything is not translatable from one language to another. And this frequent lapse on the part of the rear end of the dhoti is difficult to describe in English. Perhaps one can say, "Your dhoti has come loose". That is not quite right, but it conveys the general sense. But to say, "Your dhoti is open", is plain wrong.”

The misunderstanding of words between Ms. Jenny and Mr. Trehan (about the soul and sole), again between Mr. Ghosh and Jenny about Sambhar (an animal and a south Indian dish) and then the Ultimate Comment of Mrs. Trehan clarifying the difference between the two words was just remarkable. The character of servant Lachu was tremendous and very well written the way he expressed the accomplishments, though they were not, of his Master Mr. Sharma to Madhu his New Secretary was noteworthy.

The main character of the play, Nishant, around whom the whole story revolves, is a Philosopher and a strong character what happens in his life, what he feels, and what his approach towards life is, that a reader has to find out.

The old Bollywood songs like “Abhi na jao chod kar”, "Main jindgi ka sath nibhata chala gya" are integral characters themselves and you can feel their presence during watching......oh i mean reading the play..:)

Overall an absolute Play with a mix of all flavors, Desi-Indi-European ascents, expressions, feelings popular melodious bollywood songs.

Indeed a commendable job by Nikhil Sharada.

A must read.....thats what I can say... Best wishes Nikhil Sharada

[Deepti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sans Destination is an engaging play that captures the reader's attention from beginning to end. Through its protagonist Nishant Chatterjee, the play reflects upon the journey all human beings have to undertake at some point in life, without being sure of its destination. It cleverly weaves humour into satire, making it a particularly delightful read. With intelligent dialogue that borders on philosophical discourse at times, the play encourages its readers to think as they read, denying them the questionable pleasure of passive reading. The only glitch is that some characters and situations have not been developed fully and fall short of justifying their existence in the action of the play. Despite that, it is an exciting script, and the twisted poetic justice offered at the end is bound to amuse you, even if you feel inclined to question its morality.

[Sandhya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey is a great metaphor of life! Sans destination confirms this in the perfect stylish manner possible. Full of humor, targeted sarcasms, believable exaggerations and absolutely convincing philosophies this play is all about two things- Reality and the writer’s extraordinary capability to present it in such an entertaining manner. A play which makes the reader to accept all the characters without being judgmental as they are the part of our own life or journeys and a play which so marvelously means its title – sans destination!

[Ananya Deol · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Sans Destination' is a blend of philosophy and humor, not to forget the wit and sarcasm that make it an extremely engaging read. I applaud the author's ability and his out-of-the box thinking to create the philosophical conversations which make the readers take a pause and think. The dialogues read well. Though I am not a huge fan of reading plays ,this one grabbed my interest and it now leaves me craving for more. I would also love to see it staged someday.

[Book'd Hitu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first time that I read a play.
Overall a nice and humorous read.